Participate in Groundbreaking Parkinson’s and MSA Research

Are you living with Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in New Zealand? Or are you a healthy adult who can act as a control participant? We’re inviting you to participate in an important New Zealand-based research study to improve the diagnosis and understanding of these conditions.

Why is This Research Important?

Parkinson’s Disease and MSA are among the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorders, affecting 12 million worldwide. Until recently, Parkinson’s Disease and MSA diagnoses relied heavily on clinical evaluations. However, a 2023 breakthrough identified markers of these conditions in spinal fluid, paving the way for earlier, more accurate detection.

What We’re Looking For

We currently have sufficient control and Parkinson’s tear samples but are seeking participants to donate:

Parkinson’s Disease: Skin and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): Tear, blood, skin, and/or CSF samples.
Healthy controls: Skin and/or CSF samples.

Your contributions will help advance research into better diagnostic tools and treatments for PD and MSA. Study participants will receive vouchers to compensate for travel costs.

What Does Participation Involve?

Donating one or more of the following: tears, skin, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Skin biopsy and CSF sample donations are optional but critical to advancing this research.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals over 18 years diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, MSA, or healthy adults with no neurological disorders.
We are currently prioritising participants with MSA to donate (tears, blood, skin and/or CSF), and PD for specific sample types (skin and/or CSF).
Able to provide informed consent. Note: Individuals with dementia who cannot consent are not eligible.
Able to travel to Auckland, New Zealand

How to Get Involved

For more information or to participate, contact:

Dr. Victor Dieriks

Email: v.dieriks@auckland.ac.nz

Your participation could make a significant difference in the future of neurological disease research. Thank you for considering this opportunity.

This study is approved by the Human and Disability Ethics Committee (Approval number: HDEC 2024 EXP 20266).